4 January 1944:
ASASHIO MARU is detached for Sasebo. Near Moji, BOKUEI MARU collides with TERUKUNI MARU and sinks at 34-04N, 130-32E. Only one crewman is KIA. Later that day, the rest of the convoy arrives at Moji.

At 0830, as ASASHIO MARU is slowly leaving Kobasang Harbor, she is attacked by a USS HORNET SB2C. The Helldiver drops two 1,000-lb bombs. ASASHIO MARU probably sustains a hit or near miss by at least one of the bombs. She stops and goes dead in the water. At about 0900, ASASHIO MARU is attacked by three Avenger torpedo-bombers from USS YORKTOWN. All three drop torpedoes and one gets a hit
portside amidships. ASASHIO MARU sinks at 07-25.35N, 134-25.35E. 18 crewmen are KIA.